By Deji Abdulwahab
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has urged media professionals and creative workers to reject fake news and divisive narratives.
Idris gave the advice on Tuesday at the unveiling of the Roadmap to Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) at 50th Anniversary in Abuja.
The minister charged the media men to uphold professionalism while protecting the constitutional right of Nigerians to novel expression and constructive criticism.
According to him, no democracy can flourish without a vibrant media and creative sector.
He said freedom of expression and freedom of the press remain essential pillars of democratic governance and national development.
“However, freedom of speech must always go hand-in-hand with responsibility. I’ve said this over and over again, that there is no substitute for freedom of speech or freedom of expression.
“I want you as media professionals to take one and give the other. This freedom that we enjoy must be as enormous as possible.
“We must continue to reject fake news, divisive narratives and irresponsible use of media platforms while protecting the constitutional right of Nigerians to novel expression and constructive criticism,” Idris said.
The minister said to address the menace of fake news, the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) was launched in Nigeria.
He said the institute will shape the future of media practise, information management, and public communication in Nigeria and beyond.
“IMILI was launched at a time that the world is confronted with the dangers of fake news, disinformation, digital manipulation, and information disorder.
“The institutions such as IMILI have become increasingly vital and necessary for us to check this menace.
“The issue of fake news is not just peculiar to Nigeria. It is a menace that is affecting both the developed and the developing nations.
“And in Nigeria, we are being proactive by being the recipients of the first of its kind Media Information Literacy Institute that has been settled by UNESCO in partnership with the National Open University here.
“This will help our young men and women, especially media professionals, to discern what is good news and what is fake news.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had recognised media and cultural workers not merely as professionals but as strategic partners in nation building.
“Nigeria’s democracy continues to grow stronger because media professionals, artists, broadcasters, performers, writers, and comedians have continued to use their platforms responsibly in promoting dialogue, public enlightenment, accountability, and national cohesion.
“That is why this administration, under the capable leadership of President Bola Tinubu, recognises media and cultural workers not merely as professionals but as strategic partners in nation building,” he said
The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, urged RATTAWU leaders not to allow themselves to be seduced by the fleeting comforts of office or pleasures of power.
Ajaero said: “The only compass that should guide this union is the desire and interest of your members: the performers, the technicians, the artists, the secretaries.
“All those who labour in the vineyard of information and culture seek to the original traditions of the trade union movement, robustness, solidarity, and service to the working class.
“Our struggle does not pause for ceremonies. Even as we celebrate this golden jubilee and roadmap, the battle for economic survival rages on,” he said.
The NLC president said the present economic hardship imposed by the policies of the government and global conditions are suffocating the union’s members and the Nigerian people.
“We must remind you that a living wage is possible, but we are the ones to make it happen in Nigeria.
“As we prepare to negotiate the new National Minimum Wage, I call on every member to guard their lines and clench their fists.
“This will be a fierce battle, but with our determination and your resolve, we will emerge victorious,” he said.
In his address of welcome, the President of RATTAWU, Emeka Kalu, thanked the minister and other special guests for adding value to the event.
He expressed the union’s commitment to the welfare of the media and creative workers in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
